U.S. patent application number 14/216001 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for dual use coupling end for pipes and fittings.
This patent application is currently assigned to ULTRAFLO CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is ULTRAFLO CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Thomas A. Linhorst, Michael James Lurk.
Application Number | 20140284922 14/216001 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51568625 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140284922 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lurk; Michael James ; et
al. |
September 25, 2014 |
DUAL USE COUPLING END FOR PIPES AND FITTINGS
Abstract
The disclosure relates to a dual use coupling end including a
pipe section having an annular recessed cam groove a distance from
an annular endwardly facing surface of the pipe section, the cam
groove defined by a curved or tapered cam groove surface extending
gradually radially inwardly from an annular radial outer surface of
the fitting adjacent toward the endwardly facing surface, to an
annular clamp groove terminating on an opposite end by a radially
outwardly extending annular clamp abutment surface located a
distance from the endwardly facing surface. The clamp abutment
surface extends a distance radially outwardly from the radial
innermost portion to an annular beveled cam abutment surface at an
acute angle to the clamp abutment surface and facing radially
outwardly from the endwardly facing surface, the cam abutment
surface disposed radially outwardly of the cam groove surface and
including a radial outward discontinuous extension.
Inventors: |
Lurk; Michael James; (Sainte
Genevieve, MO) ; Linhorst; Thomas A.; (Perryville,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ULTRAFLO CORPORATION |
STE. GENEVIEVE |
MO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ULTRAFLO CORPORATION
STE. GENEVIEVE
MO
|
Family ID: |
51568625 |
Appl. No.: |
14/216001 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61799052 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/364 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 37/18 20130101;
F16L 21/06 20130101; F16L 41/021 20130101; F16L 55/1157
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
285/364 |
International
Class: |
F16L 23/06 20060101
F16L023/06 |
Claims
1. A dual use coupling end for a pipe or fitting, comprising a dual
use groove about an annular radial outer surface of a tubular end
portion of the pipe or fitting, spaced a predetermined distance
from an annular endwardly facing surface of the end portion
configured to be held in sealed relation to a mating annular
endwardly facing surface of another pipe or fitting, the dual use
groove being bound and defined by a tapered or curved substantially
annular cam groove surface beginning at a first predetermined
distance from the endwardly facing surface and extending radially
into the end portion so as to gradually reduce an overall diameter
thereof toward the endwardly facing surface, terminating at an
annular clamp groove portion bound and defined on one end by a
radially outwardly extending substantially annular clamp abutment
surface oriented about perpendicular to a proximal portion of the
cam groove surface closest thereto, located at a second
predetermined distance less than the first predetermined distance
from the endwardly facing surface, the clamp abutment surface
extending a predetermined distance radially outwardly from the
proximal portion of the cam groove surface to an annular beveled
cam abutment surface oriented at an acute angle to the clamp
abutment surface, facing radially outwardly and away from the
endwardly facing surface and disposed substantially radially
outwardly relative thereto, in predetermined relation to the cam
groove surface.
2. The dual use coupling end of claim 1, wherein the cam groove
surface and the cam abutment surface are configured and positioned
to simultaneously engage at least one cam of a cam groove coupler
when coupled about the coupling end.
3. The dual use coupling end of claim 1, wherein the cam abutment
surface is located on a radially outwardly extending annular
protuberance extending about the coupling end.
4. The dual use coupling end of claim 3, further comprising an
annular seal surface about the coupling end between the
protuberance and the endwardly facing surface.
5. A pipe, comprising an end portion having a dual use groove
thereabout, spaced a predetermined distance from an annular
endwardly facing surface of the end portion configured to be held
in sealed relation to a mating annular endwardly facing surface of
another pipe or a fitting, the dual use groove being bound and
defined by a tapered or curved substantially annular cam groove
surface beginning at a first predetermined distance from the
endwardly facing surface and extending radially into the end
portion so as to gradually reduce an overall diameter thereof
toward the endwardly facing surface, terminating at an annular
clamp groove portion bound and defined on one end by a radially
outwardly extending substantially annular clamp abutment surface
oriented about perpendicular to a proximal portion of the cam
groove surface closest thereto, located at a second predetermined
distance less than the first predetermined distance from the
endwardly facing surface, the clamp abutment surface extending a
predetermined distance radially outwardly from the proximal portion
of the cam groove surface to an annular beveled cam abutment
surface oriented at an acute angle to the clamp abutment surface,
facing radially outwardly and away from the endwardly facing
surface and disposed substantially radially outwardly relative
thereto, in predetermined relation to the cam groove surface.
6. The pipe of claim 5, wherein the cam groove surface and the cam
abutment surface are configured and positioned to simultaneously
engage at least one cam of a cam groove coupler when coupled about
the coupling end.
7. The pipe of claim 5, wherein the cam abutment surface is located
on a radially outwardly extending annular protuberance extending
about the coupling end.
8. The pipe of claim 7, further comprising an annular seal surface
about the coupling end between the protuberance and the endwardly
facing surface, configured for sealingly engaging a gasket of a
clamp coupler when coupled thereabout
9. A pipe fitting, comprising a tubular end portion having a dual
use groove thereabout, spaced a predetermined distance from an
annular endwardly facing surface of the end portion configured to
be held in sealed relation to a mating annular endwardly facing
surface of another fitting or a pipe, the dual use groove being
bound and defined by a tapered or curved substantially annular cam
groove surface beginning at a first predetermined distance from the
endwardly facing surface and extending radially into the end
portion so as to gradually reduce an overall diameter thereof
toward the endwardly facing surface, terminating at an annular
clamp groove portion bound and defined on one end by a radially
outwardly extending substantially annular clamp abutment surface
oriented about perpendicular to a proximal portion of the cam
groove surface closest thereto, located at a second predetermined
distance less than the first predetermined distance from the
endwardly facing surface, the clamp abutment surface extending a
predetermined distance radially outwardly from the proximal portion
of the cam groove surface to an annular beveled cam abutment
surface oriented at an acute angle to the clamp abutment surface,
facing radially outwardly and away from the endwardly facing
surface and disposed substantially radially outwardly relative
thereto, in predetermined relation to the cam groove surface.
10. The pipe fitting of claim 9, wherein the cam groove surface and
the cam abutment surface are configured and positioned to
simultaneously engage at least one cam of a cam groove coupler when
coupled about the coupling end.
11. The pipe fitting of claim 9, wherein the cam abutment surface
is located on a radially outwardly extending annular protuberance
extending about the coupling end.
12. The pipe fitting of claim 11, further comprising an annular
seal surface about the coupling end between the protuberance and
the endwardly facing surface, configured for sealingly engaging a
gasket of a clamp coupler when coupled thereabout.
13. The pipe fitting of claim 9, comprising a tee.
14. The pipe fitting of claim 9, comprising an adapter.
15. The pipe fitting of claim 9, comprising an elbow.
16. A dual use coupling end of a pipe fitting, comprising: a
tubular end portion having an annular recessed cam groove
thereabout spaced a predetermined distance from an annular
endwardly facing surface of the end portion configured to be held
in sealed relation to a mating annular endwardly facing surface of
another pipe fitting or a pipe, the cam groove being defined by a
curved or tapered cam groove surface extending gradually radially
inwardly from an annular radial outer surface of the fitting
adjacent to the coupling end, toward the endwardly facing surface,
terminating at a radial inner surface portion comprising an annular
clamp groove bound on an opposite end by a radially outwardly
extending substantially annular clamp abutment surface oriented
about perpendicular to the radial inner surface portion of the cam
groove surface, located at a predetermined distance from the
endwardly facing surface, the clamp abutment surface extending a
predetermined distance radially outwardly from the radial innermost
innermost surface to an annular beveled cam abutment surface
oriented at an acute angle to the clamp abutment surface, facing
radially outwardly and away from the endwardly facing surface and
disposed substantially radially outwardly relative thereto, in
predetermined relation to the cam groove surface.
17. The coupling end of claim 16, wherein the pipe fitting
comprises a portion of a pipe tee.
18. The coupling end of claim 16, wherein the pipe fitting
comprises an end of a pipe.
19. A dual use coupling end for a pipe or pipe fitting, comprising:
a tubular pipe section having an annular recessed cam groove
thereabout spaced a predetermined distance from an annular
endwardly facing surface of the pipe section, the cam groove being
defined by a curved or tapered cam groove surface extending
gradually radially inwardly from an annular radial outer surface of
the fitting adjacent toward the endwardly facing surface, to an
annular clamp groove terminating on an opposite end by a radially
outwardly extending substantially annular clamp abutment surface
located a predetermined distance from the endwardly facing surface,
the clamp abutment surface extending a predetermined distance
radially outwardly from the radial innermost innermost portion to
an annular beveled cam abutment surface oriented at an acute angle
to the clamp abutment surface and facing radially outwardly and
away from the endwardly facing surface, the cam abutment surface
being disposed substantially radially outwardly of the cam groove
surface and comprising a radial outward discontinuous extension
thereof.
Description
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a coupling end for a
pipe or fitting, for joining to another pipe or fitting, and more
particularly, to a coupling end adapted for use with a clamp style
coupler or a cam and groove style coupler.
[0002] Couplers are well known for use in joining pipes in sealed
relation to other pipes, tees, hoses, and other fittings, to
provide a continuous sealed passage for the flow of fluids,
including both liquids and solids, such as, but not limited to,
chemicals, food products, and particulates such as cement, sand,
etc. Such couplers are commonly used in piping systems on bulk
materials transports and hoppers, for conveying fluid carried
thereby. Desirable feature of such couplers include the ability to
quick and easy couple and uncouple, to enable disassembly of pipes
or removal of pipes from tees and the like, for purposes such as
inspection, cleaning and repair. For instance, after travel to a
delivery site and unloading, it may be required to uncouple the
pipes of a transport or hopper for cleaning and preparing for
transporting a different material. Or, it may be found that a pipe
has become clogged, so as to require uncoupling for removal of the
clog. Or a coupler gasket may be damaged or otherwise leaking, so
as to require replacement.
[0003] Reference, Sisk U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,540,465 and 5,722,666,
which disclose well known clamp type couplers, usable for coupling
pipes and a variety of fittings.
[0004] Typically, pipes and fittings include annular grooves of
rectangular cross section about the ends thereof to be coupled,
which grooves are configured for receiving annular ribs or flanges
of the coupler, when the ends of the pipes and fittings are in
abutting relation, for capturing the coupler gasket between the
ribs and preventing longitudinal movement between the coupled pipes
and fittings, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the above
referenced Sisk U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,540,465 and 5,722,666. This manner
of coupling continues in use, as illustrated in more recent Sisk
U.S. Pat. No. 8,091,925. The rectangular coupler grooves are
generally standard in size and are a standard distance from the end
of the pipe or fitting. As also illustrated in the Sisk patents,
the pipes and fittings to be coupled include smooth annular
surfaces between the grooves and the ends to be coupled, to provide
a good sealing interface with the annular gasket of the coupler
which is compressed against the smooth surfaces when the coupler is
closed.
[0005] Another standardized, commonly used and well known coupler
for pipes and fittings such as tees and the like, is a cam and
groove type coupler. Reference in this regard, Fahl, U.S. Pat. No.
5,005,876, and Sisk Design Patent No. D673,657. The cam and groove
coupler differs from the above referenced clamp style by the
provision of a more rounded groove about the pipe or fitting,
located a standard distance from the end. In this coupler, the
gasket is typically contained in a cavity of a female receptacle
that receives the pipe or fitting end, and the receptacle will have
rounded eccentric cams at spaced locations about the receptacle
that extend into the cavity and are eccentrically pivotable using
external levers attached thereto. When the pipe or fitting end is
received in the receptacle and abuts the gasket, the cams are
eccentrically pivoted by moving the levers to extend a greater
distance into the cavity to occupy the groove and engage the
rounded surfaces of the pipe or fitting bounding the groove. Force
can be exerted against the levers to load the cams in a direction
for urging the end of the pipe or fitting against the gasket for
forming a better sealed condition.
[0006] Both clamp style and cam and groove style couplers are
extremely well known and have been widely used for many years.
However, they have previously not been directly interchangeable.
When it has been desired to use one with a pipe or fitting have the
groove for the other, an adapter has been required. This is
undesirable as it adds complexity and cost.
[0007] Accordingly, what is sought is a manner of coupling pipes
and/or fittings using either a clamp style or cam and groove style
coupler, that overcomes one or more of the problems and
shortcomings set forth above.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0008] What is disclosed is a dual use coupling end for pipes
and/or fittings using either a clamp style or cam and groove style
coupler, that overcomes one or more of the problems and
shortcomings set forth above.
[0009] According to a preferred aspect of the disclosed
embodiments, the dual use coupling end includes a tubular pipe
section that can be the end of a pipe fitting, pipe or adapter,
having an annular recessed cam groove thereabout spaced a
predetermined distance from an annular endwardly facing surface of
the pipe section, the cam groove being defined by a curved or
tapered cam groove surface extending gradually radially inwardly
from an annular radial outer surface of the fitting adjacent toward
the endwardly facing surface, to an annular clamp groove
terminating on an opposite end by a radially outwardly extending
substantially annular clamp abutment surface located a
predetermined distance from the endwardly facing surface. The clamp
abutment surface extends a predetermined distance radially
outwardly from the radial innermost innermost portion to an annular
beveled cam abutment surface oriented at an acute angle to the
clamp abutment surface and facing radially outwardly and away from
the endwardly facing surface, the cam abutment surface being
disposed substantially radially outwardly of the cam groove surface
and comprising a radial outward discontinuous extension
thereof.
[0010] As a result, the cam groove and the clamp groove are
essentially coexistent, providing the ability for securely and
sealably coupling with either a conventional cam groove type pipe
coupler or clamp type coupler.
[0011] According to another preferred aspect of the disclosed
embodiments, in use with a conventional cam groove type coupler,
the gasket will abut the endwardly facing surface and the cams of
the coupler will locate in the cam groove, bearing against the cam
groove surface, and the cam abutment surface. Particularly, bearing
against the cam abutment surface generates an endwardly directed
force component for holding the gasket against the endwardly facing
surface. In use with a conventional clamp type coupler the annular
rib of the coupler will be received in the annular clamp groove so
as to be retained in position on the pipe section by the clamp
abutment surface. A gasket of the coupler will be brought to bear
about the radial outer surface of the tubular pipe section between
the cam abutment surface and the endwardly facing surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1 is a simplified side view of a representative pipe
coupler application for a dual use coupling end according to the
teachings of the disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of a dual use coupling end of FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view in section of the dual use
coupling end, superimposed with a standard cam groove and standard
clamp coupler groove;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of the standard cam groove;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the standard clamp coupler
groove;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a sectional side view of a pipe tee with a dual
use coupling end with a standard clamp type coupler thereabout;
[0018] FIG. 7 is another sectional side view of the pipe tee with
the dual use coupling end and standard clamp type coupler
thereabout, coupling to a pipe having a standard clamp type
coupling end;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a sectional bottom view of a pipe tee including a
dual use coupling end, with a standard cam groove type coupler
thereabout joining a hose nipple and associated hose thereto;
and
[0020] FIG. 9 is another sectional bottom view of the pipe tee
including the dual use coupling end, with a standard cam groove
type coupler thereabout holding a cap thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, a representative application for dual
use coupling ends 22 of the embodiments is shown, which is typical
of a multiple compartment pneumatic bulk transport application,
including multiple pipe tees 20 connectable in pneumatically sealed
relation to coupling ends 22 of a pipe 24. Here, standard clamp
type couplers 26 are illustrated in position for joining the pipe
to the tees. Alternatively, and at other coupling ends, it may be
desired to use a standard cam groove type coupler, as illustrated
in later FIGS., as made possible by the dual use capability of the
embodiment. Clamp type coupler 26 generally includes a first
semi-circular element 28, and a second semi-circular element 30
(FIG. 6), connected for relative hinged movement by a hinge joint
32. Elements 28 and 30 include second end portions which are
brought together when the elements are hingedly closed in the well
known conventional manner, and include elements of a clamping
mechanism 34 operable for securing the coupler about pipe ends, or
a pipe end and a fitting, to be coupled together.
[0022] As is well-known, semi-circular elements 28 and 30 each have
a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape including spaced apart
ribs 36 (FIG. 6) defining a cavity receiving a gasket 38, such
that, as coupler 26 is closed about the coupling end, a positive
controlled or measured compressive force will be exerted to form a
sealed condition thereabout, to prevent escape of the pneumatic
contents.
[0023] A standard clamp type coupling end 40 is shown on one end of
the right hand pipe tee 20. Coupling end 40 has an standard clamp
coupler groove, coupler groove, or annular groove 42 thereabout of
rectangular sectional shape configured in position for receiving a
rib 36 of a coupler, such as a coupler 26, which will abut or be
located in closely spaced relation to the end surface of the groove
closest to the end of the pipe, to retain pipe 24, in the
well-known manner. As is well-known, coupling ends 40 including
grooves 42 for use with clamp type couplers are not compatible with
other type coupler mechanisms, particularly a cam groove coupler
44, such as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.
[0024] Referring also to FIGS. 2 and 3, dual use coupling end 22 of
the embodiment is incorporated on a tubular pipe section 46 that
can be the end of a pipe fitting, pipe or adapter, and includes an
annular recessed cam groove 48 thereabout spaced a predetermined
distance D1 from an annular endwardly facing surface 50 of the pipe
section, cam groove 48 being defined by a curved or tapered cam
groove surface 52 extending gradually radially inwardly from an
annular radial outer surface 54 of pipe section 46 toward the
endwardly facing surface 50, to an annular clamp groove terminating
on an opposite end by a radially outwardly extending substantially
annular clamp abutment surface 58 located a predetermined distance
D2 from endwardly facing surface 50. Clamp abutment surface 58
extends a predetermined distance D3 radially outwardly from the
radial innermost portion of cam groove surface 52 in clamp groove
56 to an annular beveled cam abutment surface 60 oriented at an
acute angle A to clamp abutment surface 58 and facing radially
outwardly and away from endwardly facing surface 50, cam abutment
surface 60 being disposed substantially radially outwardly of cam
groove surface 52 on an annular protuberance and comprising a
radial outward discontinuous extension of surface 52, clamp groove
56 being interposed therebetween.
[0025] As a result, cam groove 48 and clamp groove 56 are
essentially coexistent, providing the ability for securely and
sealably coupling with either a conventional cam groove type pipe
coupler 44 or clamp type coupler 26, as variously illustrated in
FIGS. 6-9.
[0026] Referring also to FIG. 4, a standard cam groove coupling end
62 is shown, for use with a standard cam groove coupler 44 in the
well known manner. The profile shape of end 62 is overlayed on
coupling end 22 in the enlargement of FIG. 3.
[0027] Referring also to FIG. 5, a standard clamp type coupling end
40 including a coupler groove 42, is shown, and is overlayed in the
FIG. 3 enlargement.
[0028] In FIGS. 6 and 7, it can be observed that a coupling end 22
on pipe section 46 of a tee 20 is couplable to a standard clamp
type coupler 26, with associated rib 36 of the coupler located in
clamp groove 56 and in surface to surface abutment or opposing
relation to clamp abutment surface 58. In FIG. 7 coupler 26 is
shown conventionally clamped about coupling end 40 with that
associated rib 36 located in coupler groove 42.
[0029] In FIGS. 8 and 9, it can be observed that coupling end 22 on
pipe section 46 of tee 20 is coupled to a standard cam groove
coupler 44, with cam surface 70 of the coupler bearing against cam
groove surface 52 and cam abutment surface 60, when cam lock 72 is
in a closed position as illustrated. Here, it should be understood
that by rotation of cam lock 72 in a counterclockwise direction,
cam surface 70 will be withdrawn from surfaces 52 and 60 to release
the coupler. It can also be observed that cam abutment surface 60
is positioned at an angle to allow cam surface 70 to bear
thereagainst in a direction toward the end of the pipe section, for
exerting a compressive force against the gasket 38. In FIG. 8,
coupler 44 is coupled to a hose nipple type fitting 64, having a
hose 66 attached thereto in the conventional manner. In FIG. 9, a
cap 68 is coupled. It can thus be observed that surfaces 52 and 60
are related in a manner to provide the essential elements of a
conventional standard cam groove 62, for equal utility, but
interrupted by a clamp groove 56, which provides the dual use
capability of the embodiment, thus enabling interchangeable use of
either type of clamp.
[0030] In light of all the foregoing, it should thus be apparent to
those skilled in the art that there has been shown and described a
novel dual use coupling end. However, it should also be apparent
that, within the principles and scope of the disclosure, many
changes are possible and contemplated, including in the details,
materials, and arrangements of parts which have been described and
illustrated to explain the nature of the disclosure. Thus, while
the foregoing description and discussion addresses certain
preferred embodiments or elements of the disclosure, it should
further be understood that concepts of the disclosure, as based
upon the foregoing description and discussion, may be readily
incorporated into or employed in other embodiments and
constructions without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
Accordingly, the following claims are intended to protect the
disclosure broadly as well as in the specific form shown, and all
changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications
which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure are
deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by
the claims which follow.
* * * * *